News

For those of you that are fed up with the increased cost, crime, broken homes, and loss of family members in our community that stems from substance abuse. This is the meeting you have been waiting for!  Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will be conducting a series of meetings for Community Assessment?

The meetings are facilitated by the Tennessee Nations Guard Counter Drug Task Force to gather data, opinions, perspectives, and create an overall snapshot of a Community in order to identify tangible goals, mission and action steps to create positive environmental change.

Community Assessments are effective for engaging the community and promoting the coalition. Community Assessments can create productive and invested coalition members.

Members of the community are invited to become involved.

Attend the Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Community Assessment meeting and share your perspective, knowledge, and experiences as they relate to substance misuse in Cannon County and YOUR community.

Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will begin these meetings Thursday, August, 8, at 11am at Woodbury Lions Club Memorial Building 634 Lehman St., Woodbury.

If you know of anyone that is concerned with the substance abuse crisis in our county, please invite them to this meeting.

With a new school year getting underway this week for many Tennessee parents and students, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers that education doesn’t stop in the classroom. TDCI’s divisions are offering consumers tips and reminders to help ensure your back-to-school season is safe and scam-free after school is in session.

“Going back to school can be a hectic and exciting time for parents, students, and teachers,” said TDCI Interim Commissioner Carter Lawrence. “We’re encouraging consumers to pause for a moment and consider these tips which can provide greater peace of mind, protect consumers’ finances and help all of Tennessee.”

TDCI’s divisions are sharing the following tips and information ahead of the back-to-school season:

Consumer Affairs: Identity Theft

• Check your credit report. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act mandates that each of the major credit bureaus supply consumers with a free copy of their credit report each year. Get your credit report at  AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Don’t reuse passwords. As tempting as it may be to reuse passwords, it’s a really good practice to use a different password for every account you access online. By keeping unique passwords for every account, thieves will not be able to access your checking, brokerage and email accounts if they discover one of your passwords.
• Don’t put private information on public computers. If you’re away from home, make sure you don’t save private information on a computer used by the public.
• Unfortunately, sometimes identity theft occurs. If you discover that you’ve been the victim of identity theft, you should immediately notify credit bureaus and creditors. Keep a log of all conversations you have about your identity theft. Confirm conversations in writing, send correspondence by certified mail and keep copies of all letters and documents.
• A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a free tool that allows consumers to restrict access to their credit reports, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts. You can enact a credit freeze by contacting the three nationwide credit bureaus.
• If you are the victim of identity theft, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Fire Prevention: Updated School Safety Measures

• The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds parents, educators and students about our guidance for classroom safety. As this video illustrates, Tennessee students and educators now have greater flexibility when planning for school security emergencies. Tennessee recently adopted the National Fire Protection Association’s  2018 Life Safety Code rules for classroom safety measures. These enhancements give educators and administrators additional resources to help protect students in the event of an emergency.

Insurance: Car & Renters Insurance for College Students

• Driving is a big responsibility. If you have a student who has just started to drive (or if you’re a seasoned driver), it’ s important to refresh yourself about the rules of the road with this video outlining important tips that can keep you and your passengers safe. (Remember: The Tennessee Hands Free law makes it illegal for a driver to hold a cellphone or mobile device.)
• When adding a teen driver to your policy, consider revising coverage and deductibles. Review your current deductibles to determine whether you can afford to absorb a larger portion of your loss in the event of an accident. Raising the deductible and allowing the teen to drive your oldest vehicle can help lower costs.    
• Regularly review your auto insurance policy to make sure the basis for your premium is as accurate as possible. A teen graduating high school or reaching age 18 can affect your premium.
• Teens moving into an apartment or rental home for college should consider and understand renters insurance coverage. Renters’ policies protect personal possessions in the event of an loss. These policies are usually inexpensive and can even cover living expenses if your rental is deemed uninhabitable due to damage.

Motor Vehicle Commission: Buying a Car

• Before going to a dealership, decide what you can afford. Don’t forget to factor in insurance, parking, gas, and maintenance costs.
• Check into financing before choosing a car. Ask about financing terms, the number of months, down payments options, interest rates, and financing charges.
• Ensure your car dealer is properly licensed by checking verify.tn.gov.
• Review the purchase contract carefully. Make sure all agreed upon repairs and warranties are written on the purchase contract before you sign. Never sign a blank, incomplete, or unclear contract or buyers guide.

Securities: Financial Priorities for the New School Year

• Regardless of your age or life situation, it is wise to create a financial plan. Having a financial plan helps you save money for the future.
• Before purchasing an investment, do your homework. Research all aspects of the company, and ensure your broker is properly licensed by checking finra.org. 
• Monitor your bank accounts, investments, and financial plan closely. As life changes, so do your financial needs and plans. Doing a quarterly or bi-annual check of your financial portfolio is a great way to ensure your profile is up-to-date.

For more consumer tips, visit TN.gov/commerce. If you have been treated unfairly or been the victim of a deceptive business practice, you can file a complaint with our Division of Consumer Affairs.

The Cannon County Commission moved forward to finding revenue sources not depending on increasing property tax rate. The on-going review from the Barrett Group includes, but is not limited to, a review of collections of various current taxes / revenue streams as well as identifying local and state opportunities and recoveries of past under collections or allocations.

Completed review of 7 tax streams, now have 4 completely implemented 3 needed action by county commission. Commissioners reviewed those items in their recent meeting.

Jail and Courthouse Litigation Fee is collected by both county and circuit court clerks. Currently $60 is collected, of which $50 General Debt Service Fund and $10 General Fund for Courthouse Security needs.  Commissioners considered and approved a resolution increased General Debt Service fund would gain from the increase and the increase could be used (for example) for a Jail expansion.  $85,000 annually would be conservative revenue increase could be budgeted.

Since 1990, the compensation of general sessions judges has risen significantly due to population growth and annual salary adjustments based on inflation which are provided for in the law.

County currently funds these increases from general fund. Proposed increase to $25.00. TCA 16-15-5006 specifically authorizes counties to levy an additional local litigation tax in general sessions court for the purpose of helping to fund general sessions judges’ salaries.

Schools Adequate Facilities Fee The fund fuels capital expenditures for the public school system. The amount of monies currently transferred from county general debt fund to school debt fund (approximately $100,000 annually based on last year’s building permits) could go back to the general debt fund.

Resolution calls for ninety cents per square foot (heated and/or cooled) on new residential development. New homes, new apartments and new mobile homes

½ due at permit issuance; ½ due before occupancy certificate. Occupancy certificates are issued by State Fire Marshall and/or Middle Tennessee Electric.  Can increase 10% at 4 year increments. Public buildings, place of worship, ag bldgs., disaster repair, 501 C (3), blight, distressed, urban renewal zone exempt. $40,000 conservative annual revenue estimate could be budgeted.

Also, the approved .90 per square foot fee will annually generate approximately the following and is dedicated to school capital projects:

$89,100 – if building permits for future years mirror 2018 permits (66 new residential constructions)

$54,450 – if county averages 40 new residential building permits for future years (this is the 2010-2018 average).

Commissioners conditionally approved the facilities fee.  Barrett will review concerns for some of the commissioners and have answers prior to the next meeting.

The new school year begins this week. Cannon County  teachers had two days of in-service last week and are excited to meet their students today. 

Cannon County High School will be trying a new system for registration called “One Stop.” This way students will get all everything done such as schedules, handbooks, Chromebooks, parking passes, and other business items completed and classes will be ready on Wednesday, August 7th.

As over 56 million students across the United States get ready to start the 2019-20 school year, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones.  With new schedules starting once again for many families, it’s critical to be aware of increased child pedestrian activity before -and after-school hours.

AAA offers six ways to keep kids safe this school year:

• Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
• Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Children can move quickly; crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.
• Watch for school buses.  Every state has a law making it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended that is stopped to load or unload students. However, some motorists simply choose to ignore the law.  A brief description of your state law can be inserted by accessing State School Bus Laws taken from AAA’s Digest of Motor Laws.
• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com

August is here and that means Red Apple Days can’t be far away.  The annual community event is this weekend and organizors have a full schedule of family fun. From live music to dog shows to cornhole, something for everyone.

Friday – August 2nd

4:00 PM – Vendor & Games Opens
5:00 PM – Gospel Concert Begins
6:00 PM – Musical Performaces by Local Church Groups
7:00 PM – Beth Cooper and the TN Hollow Band
8:00 PM – Musical Performace by Shellem Cline

Saturday – August 3rd

7:00 AM – Red Apple Run/Running.1.4.u 5K Race (Registration at 6AM & Awards at 9AM)
9:30 AM – Vendor Walk and Kid’s Zone Opens
10:00 AM – Cornhole Tournament (Team Registration at 9:30AM)
10:30 AM – Miss Red Apple Days Pageant (Registration at 9:30AM)
11:30 AM – The Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department Cruise In
1:00 PM – Family Fun & Field Day Stile Games
2:00 PM – Red Apple Days Parade
3:00 PM – The Red Apple Dog Show (Registration at 2:30 PM)
4:00 PM – Cornhole Championship
4:45 PM – Baking Contest Judging Begins (Have entries submitted by 4:30 PM)
5:00 PM – Live Music Begins
7:00 PM – Musical Performance by Lauren Christine
8:00 PM – Musical Performace by Kyle Elliott
9:00 PM – Fireworks Show brought to you by the Paxson Family and Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department

All proceeds from the Red Apple Day Festival go to support the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department. For more information visit: www.redappledays.com .

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry will be providing access to federal grant funding for communities and volunteer fire departments to be better equipped for wildfire.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry will be providing access to federal grant funding for communities and volunteer fire departments to be better equipped for wildfire.

Communities who have developed or are in the process of developing a Community Wildfire Prevention Plan will be eligible for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program. The 100% reimbursement grant offers up to $20,000 in funding for communities to implement wildfire prevention practices and community education projects in their plan.

Fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less are eligible for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program. This is a 50% reimbursement grant for qualifying wildland fire equipment and supplies totaling $1,000 to $6,000. The program supported volunteer fire departments across the state last year with more than 100 grants totaling $259,000.

Mooretown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael George informed WBRY that this program has been beneficial to Cannon County over the years.  Numerous fire departments in the county have used the program to supplement equipment.

Applications for the Hazard Mitigation Grant will open Monday and end September 20, 2019. Applications for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program will open August 5th and end September 13, 2019.

Both applications must be submitted to the Assistant District Forester in the applicants’ area. For more information, visit http://www.burnsafetn.org.

Signup opens today for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to assist farmers who continue to suffer from damages because of unjustified trade retaliation from foreign nations. Through MFP, USDA will provide up to $14.5 billion in direct payments to impacted producers, part of a broader trade relief package announced in late July. The sign-up period runs through Dec. 6.

“Our team at USDA reflected on what worked well and gathered feedback on last year’s program to make this one even stronger and more effective for farmers. Our farmers work hard, are the most productive in the world, and we aim to match their enthusiasm and patriotism as we support them,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

MFP payments will be made to producers of certain non-specialty and specialty crops as well as dairy and hog producers.

Non-Specialty Crops

MFP payments will be made to producers of alfalfa hay, barley, canola, corn, crambe, dried beans, dry peas, extra-long staple cotton, flaxseed, lentils, long grain and medium grain rice, millet, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, rapeseed, rye, safflower, sesame seed, small and large chickpeas, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed, temperate japonica rice, triticale, upland cotton, and wheat.

MFP assistance for 2019 crops is based on a single county payment rate multiplied by a farm’s total plantings to the MFP-eligible crops in aggregate in 2019. Those per acre payments are not dependent on which of those crops are planted in 2019. A producer’s total payment-eligible plantings cannot exceed total 2018 plantings. View payment rates by county.

Dairy and Hogs

Dairy producers who were in business as of June 1, 2019, will receive a per hundredweight payment on production history, and hog producers will receive a payment based on the number of live hogs owned on a day selected by the producer between April 1 and May 15, 2019.

Specialty Crops

MFP payments will also be made to producers of almonds, cranberries, cultivated ginseng, fresh grapes, fresh sweet cherries, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. Each specialty crop will receive a payment based on 2019 acres of fruit or nut bearing plants, or in the case of ginseng, based on harvested acres in 2019.

More Information

Payments will be made in up to three tranches, with the second and third tranches evaluated as market conditions and trade opportunities dictate. If conditions warrant, the second and third tranches will be made in November and early January.

MFP payments are limited to a combined $250,000 for non-specialty crops per person or legal entity. MFP payments are also limited to a combined $250,000 for dairy and hog producers and a combined $250,000 for specialty crop producers. However, no applicant can receive more than $500,000. Eligible applicants must also have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) for tax years 2015, 2016, and 2017 of less than $900,000, or 75 percent of the person’s or legal entity’s average AGI for those tax years must have been derived from farming and ranching. Applicants must also comply with the provisions of the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation regulations.

More information can be found on farmers.gov/mfp, including payment information and a program application.

Data released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development indicates unemployment increased in Tennessee’s 95 counties during June 2019.
 
Sixty-one counties have unemployment rates below 5 percent, while 34 counties now have unemployment rates at, or above, 5 percent.

Locally, unemployment increased in Cannon County in June unemployment was 4.0 percent up from May’s rate of 2.8 or an increase of 1.2 percent.
 
With a rate of 3 percent, both Williamson and Davidson counties have the state’s lowest unemployment. The new figure represents a 0.8 of a percentage point increase for Williamson County and a 0.7 of a percentage point jump for Davidson County.
 
Sevier County has Tennessee’s second-lowest unemployment rate for June at 3.1 percent, which is 0.6 of a percentage point higher than the county’s rate in May. Sumner and Rutherford counties have the third-lowest rate at 3.2 percent, which is up by 0.8 of a percentage point in both counties.

Hancock County recorded Tennessee’s highest unemployment in June. At 7.7 percent, the county saw a 2.4 percentage point increase in unemployment when compared to May. The current rate is 1.4 percentage points higher than it was in June of last year. Clay County’s unemployment rate is up by 2 percentage points to 7.4 percent. That figure is also up 2 percentage points from June 2018. Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate also experienced an uptick in June. The current statistic is 3.4 percent, up 0.1 of a percentage point from the previous month. The state reached its all-time low unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in February and it remained at the level for three consecutive months. Nationally, unemployment increased from 3.6 percent to 3.7 percent in June.   County unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted, while the state and national rates use the seasonal adjustment to eliminate outside influences on the statistics. You can find additional labor market information for the state at www.Jobs4TN.com.

A suspect in a domestic assault and subject of a manhunt was apprehended Sunday morning in DeKalb County.  Michael Holden Thomas was found with the help from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, said Keith Lowery, Rutherford County Chief Deputy. He was reportedly in a stolen pickup truck out of Rutherford County.

According to local reports, Thomas was in a pickup truck approaching DeKalb County on Short Mountain Highway in Cannon County when THP troopers lost sight of him during a pursuit.

Later, Rutherford County officers were able to ping Thomas’ cell phone to a location near the Four Star Loop off Poss Road in DeKalb County.

Local deputies responded to the area and saw the truck Thomas was driving on Four Seasons Road and followed it onto Hendrixson Road and then to Evins Mill Road. Meanwhile a THP helicopter conducting an aerial search spotted the truck as it approached Highway 70 and while officers on the ground put down spike strips to disable it, Thomas drove the truck across the highway from Evins Mill to Midway Road before coming to a stop in a bean field. THP officers then converged on the truck and took Thomas into custody at around 9 a.m. Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and Smithville Police Department were also on the scene to offer assistance.

According to a press release from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department, Cannon County Sheriff Darrell Young requested Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to help search for Thomas Wednesday after the domestic case and after he allegedly broke into a house while carrying a machete.

Deputies located Thomas at about 1 a.m. Sunday at the Handlebar on East Main Street near Murfreesboro, the statement said.

“Thomas was accused of attempting to strike a deputy, as he fled early this morning, and subsequently striking a Rutherford County Sheriff’s vehicle while fleeing the bar,” Lowery said.
Thomas was apprehended in a stolen truck from Goochie Ford Road in Rutherford County, the chief deputy said.

THP’s Aviation helicopter joined the search for Thomas along with Rutherford and Cannon county deputies throughout Saturday night into Sunday morning, the press release said.

The Tennessee Department of Education has announced that 96 school districts across the state have been awarded a total of $3.7 million to support the implementation of high-quality career-focused programs and instruction for Tennessee students. Cannon County Schools is one of those system. 

Funds from the Perkins Reserve Consolidated Grant are awarded annually to districts to start and improve career and technical education (CTE) programs, with priority given to rural areas of the state and areas with a large number of CTE students.  More than three-million dollars from the grant will be awarded to districts to support programs focusing on the following needs:

• Creating new middle school CTE and career exploration programs
• Purchasing industry-grade equipment for fields including advanced manufacturing, health science, and STEM
• Supporting instructor licensure and testing site accreditation to assist with the the attainment of industry-recognized certifications
• Providing financial assistance to students to defray the cost of certification exams
• Developing occupational teacher mentorship programs

In Cannon County, a Middle School CTE (Career and Technical Education) Program:

The goal of this grant is to develop/implement an innovative middle school CTE program which aligns to a 9-12 program of study currently offered at CCHS. Implementation of this program will give students at the middle grades level an earlier introduction to the offerings at the high school and encourage career exploration prior to entering Cannon County High School. 

Industry Certification Exam Fees grants have also been awarded.

This grant is designed to cover exam fee costs associated with student industry certifications, such as: CNA testing, Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit testing, OSHA, and any other CTE industry certification options offered at Cannon County High School.